Single retainer mounted riser

ABSTRACT

A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt. The contact points may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced balls mounted on the base for coaction with circumferentially spaced grooves defined on the riser.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 60/693,521, filed on Jun. 23, 2005 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 60/714,483, filed on Sep. 6, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a production line framing apparatus forclamping and thereafter welding a loosely assembled vehicle body andmore particularly to a framing apparatus that accurately positions andlocates predetermined areas of a loosely assembled vehicle body at awelding station for accurately clamping and welding the vehicle bodytogether with a high degree of repeatability between consecutive vehiclebodies on the production line, and yet more particularly to a singleretainer mounted riser for use on the framing apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The construction of a unitized vehicle body commences with the formationof individual major body panels by stamping the panels from sheet metalblanks. Typically these major panels include a floor panel, right andleft body side panels, a fire wall and either a roof panel ortransversely extending header members to which a roof panel issubsequently mounted. After the individual panels are stamped, somepreliminary assembly operations may then be performed on the individualpanels such as, for example, adding door hinge and latch hardware at thebody side panels at appropriate locations proximate the door opening,adding seat mounting brackets, adding reinforcements to the body panel,etc.

Next a set of panels that together constitute a sub-assembly of thefinished vehicle body is loosely assembled together. This initial looseassembly of panels frequently is accomplished by a “toy tab” arrangementin which one or more panels is formed with a tab which projects from anedge and which is received in a slot in an adjacent panel. Thistechnique interlocks the panels and frame members to each other tothereby form a preliminary loosely assembled vehicle body wherein thepanels and frame members will not separate from each other but whereinthe panels and frame members are free to tilt or otherwise move relativeto one another. This initial loosely-assembled subassembly is thenbrought, as for example by a pallet riding on rails, to a weldingstation where the various panels and frames are welded to each other ina rigid permanently assembled relationship. This initial weldingoperation step at the welding station is one of the most important stepsin the assembly of the vehicle body because it establishes the finalwelding alignment of all of the various panels and headers relative toeach other which is essential to subsequent assembly operationsperformed on the sub-assembly. During the welding operation it isdesirable that the various panels and headers be precisely andaccurately located and aligned relative to one another and be heldfixedly in the desired position. The positioning of the various panelsand header members during the welding operation at the welding stationis accomplished utilizing a framing apparatus located at the weldingstation and including a plurality of gates. For example, a pair of sidegates may be utilized in combination with a top gate with the gatesmoveable between retracted positions, to allow the entry of the vehicleassembly into the welding station, and working positions wherein toolingmembers carried by the gates suitably engage the assembled body panelsto fix them into desired finalized positions whereafter programmablewelding robots, each provided with a welding gun, perform weldingoperations on the assembled body components as they are held in place bythe gates and the tooling members.

Prior art welding gates tend to be rather bulky and heavy apparatusesdue to the necessity of carrying many and sometimes rather complicatedand heavy tooling members and this heavy construction of the gates hasnecessitated cumbersome and expensive power equipment to move the gatesbetween their retracted and working positions. The bulky and heavyconstruction of the welding gates has also interfered with the abilityof the robots to access the vehicle body components located within thegates.

In an attempt to reduce the bulk and weight of the gates, gates havingan open frame or skeletal structure have been utilized but these openframe structure gates, by their fragile nature, have difficulty inhandling all of the heavy tooling members and are subject to damage as aresult of inadvertent impact with obstacles. Such impacts may not onlydamage the gate but may also misalign tooling members carried by thegate with resultant imprecise joinder of the various body panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to the provision of an improved framingapparatus for use at a body welding station.

More particularly, this invention is directed to the provision of aframing apparatus utilizing a relatively light weight gate that is yetcapable of handling even very heavy tooling members.

Yet more particularly, this invention is directed to the provision of aframing apparatus with breakaway provisions to preclude damage to thegate and/or the tooling members in the event of inadvertent encounterswith obstacles.

The body framing apparatus of the invention is intended for use at awelding station and includes a plurality of tooling members for use inpositioning components of the body at the welding station for welding,each tooling member being mounted on the framing apparatus by a mountingbracket.

According to the invention, each mounting bracket includes a base formounted on the framing apparatus and a riser structure mounted on thebase and mounting a respective tooling member; the riser structure ismounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt; and the interfacebetween the riser structure and the base comprises a plurality ofcontact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to thefastener bolt.

According to a further feature of the invention, the fastener boltincludes a reduced diameter portion sized to break away in response to apredetermined impact against the riser structure.

According to a further feature of the invention, each base includes aplanar platform portion mounting the respective riser structure and aplurality of legs extending from the platform portion and sized tostraddle the framing apparatus.

According to a further feature of the invention, each mounting bracketfurther includes at least one dowel received in aligned apertures in thebase and in the riser structure at a location offset from the axis ofthe fastener bolt.

According to a further feature of the invention, the interface betweenthe base and the riser structure comprises three equally angularlyspaced contact points.

According to a further feature of the invention, the three contactpoints are defined by three spherical members positioned at theinterface in concentric relation with respect to the central axis of thebolt.

According to a further feature of the invention, the spherical membersare carried by the base and each spherical member is received in aspherical socket defined in the base.

According to a further feature of the invention, each fastener boltpasses through an unthreaded central aperture in the riser structure forthreaded engagement with a threaded central aperture in the base.

According to a further feature of the invention, each spherical memberis seated in a locating socket in the riser structure and each locatingsocket includes a groove contacting the respective spherical member atonly two points.

According to a further feature of the invention, each groove defines acentral axis and the axes of the grooves pass through the central axisof the fastener bolt.

According to a further feature of the invention, each locating socket isdefined by a pin received in the riser structure, each spherical membercomprises a ball, and each socket pin defines a respective grooveopening at the interface for seating of the respective ball.

According to a further feature of the invention, each locating socket isdefined by a socket pin received in a bore in the riser structure andeach socket pin defines a respective groove opening at the interface forseating of the respective ball.

According to a further feature of the invention the fastener bolt ispart of a fastener bolt assembly including the fastener bolt, an upperannular plate surrounding a head of the fastener bolt, a lower annularplate surrounding a shank of the fastener bolt, a compressible annularspring device positioned in surrounding relation to the bolt shankbetween the upper and lower plates, a plurality of upper attachmentbolts passing downwardly through bores in the upper annular plate forthreaded engagement with threaded bores in the lower annular plate, anda plurality of lower attachment bolts passing upwardly through bores inthe riser structure for threaded engagement with further threaded boresin the lower annular plate, the head of the fastener bolt bearingagainst the annular spring device so that, with the bolt passing throughthe bore in the riser structure for threaded engagement with the base,tightening of the fastener bolt compresses the spring device topretension the fastener bolt.

According to a further feature of the invention, the spring devicecomprises a stack of Belleville washers.

According to a further feature of the invention, the riser structureincludes a tubular member having a central bore to accommodate thefastener bolt and a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores in anend rim of the tubular member for respective receipt of the socket pins.

According to a further feature of the invention, the riser structurefurther includes an annular plate positioned in the central boreproximate the end rim; the fastener bolt passes through a centralaperture of the annular plate for threaded engagement with a threadedbore in the base; and the riser structure further includes a stack ofBelleville washers positioned in the central bore of the tubular memberin surrounding relation to a shank of the fastener bolt between a headof the bolt and the annular plate.

The invention also discloses methodology for mounting the riserstructure on the base, forming the riser structure, and replacing abroken breakaway bolt to reattach the riser to the base.

Other applications of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art when the following description of the best modecontemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle framing production lineincluding a framing station;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the framing station;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a gate utilized at the framingstation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gate viewed from below the gate;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a gate in conjunction with a robotutilized to position the gate;

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a mounting bracket with a basein combination with a riser for mounting on the base;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the base and riser;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the base and riser;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the base and riser;

FIG. 12 is a detail view taken within the circle 12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the base and riser shown in associationwith a tooling member;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are fragmentary views illustrating the manner in whichthe invention accommodates production variances or tolerances utilizinga simple bolt;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are fragmentary views illustrating the manner in whichthe invention accommodates production variances using a breakaway boltstructure;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 18-18 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 19 is a detail view taken within circle 19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of the underface of the riser;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary elevational view of the riser;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the riser;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternate form of mounting bracket;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG.24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 26-26 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a sectional schematic view of a bolt assembly utilized in themounting bracket of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the base of the mounting bracket of FIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 30-30 ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a socket pin utilized in the mountingbracket of FIG. 24;

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the socket pin;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a further alternate form of mountingbracket;

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view, in cross section, of the mounting bracketof FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a detail view of a bolt assembly utilized in the mountingbracket of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 33;

FIGS. 38, 39 and 40 are detail views of socket pins utilized in themounting bracket of FIG. 33;

FIGS. 41-45 are views of a replacement breakaway bolt assembly suitablefor use with any of the bracket embodiments; and

FIG. 46 is a perspective fragmentary view of a mounting bracket in whichthe riser is constituted by an integral extension arm of the toolingmember.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1 an initial loosely assembled body subassemblyseen generally at 10 is brought, as for example by a pallet 12 riding onrails 14, to a welding station 16 where the various panels and framesare welded to each other in a rigid permanently assembled relationship.The positioning of the various panels and header members during thewelding operation at the welding station is accomplished utilizing aframing apparatus 15 including a plurality of gates. For example, asseen schematically in FIG. 1, a pair of side gates 18 and 20 may beutilized in combination with a top gate 22 with the gates moveablebetween retracted positions seen in FIG. 1, to allow the entry of thevehicle assembly 10 into the welding station, and working positions seenin FIG. 2, wherein tooling members carried by the gate suitably engagethe assembled body panels to fix them into desired finalized positionswhereafter programmable welding robots 26, each provided with a weldinggun 28, perform welding operations on the assembled body components asthey are held in place by the gates 18, 20 and 22 and the toolingmembers 24.

The framing apparatus of the invention uses an open frame gate structure30 (FIGS. 3-4) in combination with a plurality of mounting bracketstructures 32 to facilitate attachment of the tooling members to thegate. Gate 30, which may comprise either a top gate or a side gate, hasan open frame skeletal structure comprising skeletal, parallel,longitudinal side members 34, skeletal end cross-members 36, skeletalimmediate cross-members 38, a central robot mounting plate 40, skeletalupper parallel side rails 42, skeletal upper cross-members 44, andlattice members 46 interconnecting each upper side rail to therespective lower rail. All of the members of the frame are preferablyformed of a lightweight tubular material of rectangular cross-sectionhaving a wall thickness of, for example, 60 thousandths of an inch andall of the members are formed of a suitable ferrous material. The framecomponents are secured together by welding utilizing suitable gussets.

Each mounting bracket structure 32 (FIG. 6-23) includes a base 50, ariser 52, and a bolt structure 54. Base 50 may be formed as a castferrous structure and includes a planar platform portion 50 a and aplurality of legs 50 b integrally downstanding from the platformportion. Platform portion 50 a may have a generally circularconfiguration and legs 50 b are positioned at circumferentially spacedlocations on the outer periphery of the platform portion and each extenddownwardly from a lug 50 c formed integrally with the platform portion.Each leg 50 b has a right angle cross-sectional configuration and athrough bore 50 d is formed in each lug 50 c outboard of the respectiveleg. The platform portion and legs are configured and dimensioned suchthat the base 50 may be positioned over a skeletal frame member such forexample as frame member 34 as best seen in FIG. 5. As shown, the basemay be positioned over the top of a skeletal member 34 as seen on theleft side of FIG. 5 or over the side of the member 34 as seen on theright side of FIG. 5.

The platform portion 50 a of each base has a wheel like configurationincluding an outer rim 50 e, a central hub 50 f having a threadedcentral bore 50 g positioned proximate the geometric center of platformportion 50 a, a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs 50 h on theinner periphery of the rim, and a plurality of circumferentially spacedspokes 50 i interconnecting the lugs 50 h and the hub 50 f. Lugs 50 cwill be seen to be on the outer periphery of rim 50 e andcircumferentially staggered with respect to the inner peripheral lugs 50h. It will be seen that the ring shaped upper face 50 j of rim 50 e, aswell as the upper face of lugs 50 h, are spaced above the level ofspokes 50 i and hub 50 f. That is, the upper face of spokes 50 i and hub50 are recessed with respect to the upper face 50 j of rim 50 e so thatthe upper face 50 j of the rim presents a well defined ring shapedupwardly facing mounting surface.

Each riser 52 is formed as an aluminum extrusion and has a circularcross-sectional configuration including a circular outer rim 52 a, acentral core structure 52 s defining a central bore 52 b positionedproximate the geometric center of the riser, a plurality of sectorpassages 52 c spaced circumferentially about bore 52 b, relatively thinaligned spokes 52 d, relatively thick aligned spokes 52 e, and passages52 f in spokes 52 e on opposite sides of central bore 52 b.

Following the extrusion operation, the riser is cut to length (forexample 300 mm), machined along a plane 56 (FIGS. 21 and 22) extendingparallel to the central axis of bore 52 b to the level 58 to form amounting face 60 parallel to and offset from the central axis and aclamping surface 61 perpendicular to the central axis, further machinedalong the lines 62 to the plane 63 to form a bolt face 64 coextensivewith clamping surface 61 and constituting the lower boundary of a pocket65, further machined at the lower face of the extrusion (FIG. 23) torecess the spokes 52 d and 52 e with respect to rim 52 a so that the rim52 a presents a distinctly defined downwardly facing ring surface 52 g,further machined to form transverse bolt holes 52 h opening in face 60,further machined to form transverse dowel holds 52 i opening in face 60,and further machined to form blind axial dowel holes 52 j opening in thelower face of the riser in spokes 52 e outboard of passages 52 f andinboard of ring surface 52 g.

Bolt structure 54, as seen in FIGS. 10, 11, 14, 15 and 18 comprises abolt 66, a washer 68 and a lock washer 70. Bolt 66 includes a head 66 a,a smooth shank 66 b and a threaded shank 66 c. Alternatively, where abreakaway provision is desired, and as seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, boltstructure 54 may include a bolt 72, a washer74 and a lock washer 76.Bolt 72 includes a tightening head 72 a, a reduced diameter head portion72 b, a smooth shank portion 72 c, a reduced diameter breakaway portion72 d, and a threaded shank portion 72 e.

It will be understood that one or more bracket structures 32 arepositioned on one of the skeletal members of the frame structure at anylocation along the frame structure where it is desired to position atooling member to engage a body component. The tooling member, which maytypically comprise a clamp, is seen schematically at 78 in FIG. 13.

In use, a base member 50 is positioned over a skeletal member of theframe with the legs in straddling relation to the skeletal member andthe underface of the platform portion of the base positioned against theskeletal member whereafter the base is welded to the frame member overthe entire U-shaped interfaces between the base and the frame member asdefined by the coaction of legs 50 b and the platform portion 50 a.

A pair of dowel pins 80 are now press fit in diametrically opposed bores50 k in the platform portion of base 50; a riser 52 is positionedagainst the platform portion to pass the exposed upper ends of thedowels into bores 52 j; and a bolt 66 is passed through the central bore52 b of the riser to engage the threaded shank portion 66 c of the boltwith the threaded bore 50 g of the platform portion of the base member.Tightening of the bolt, in coaction with washers 74 and 76, will be seento engage the bolt head 66 a with the bolt face 64 and firmly pressriser ring surface 52 g against base ring surface 50 j to firmly andpositively clamp the riser to the base. Since the interface between theriser and the base is only along well defined ring surfaces, the riserwill engage the base in a triangulated manner to provide a firm positiveinter-engagement as between the riser and the base. It is also criticalthat the riser dimension between the bolt face 64 and the lower face ofthe riser be sufficient to insure that the riser structure within thering surface 52 g remain rigid and not flex or distort as the bolt istightened since such flexing or distorting might interfere with the firmpositive triangulated inter-engagement of riser surface 52 g and basesurface 50 j. Following mounting of the riser on the base, a toolingmember, for example a clamp 78, may be mounted on the riser utilizing ablade 82 (FIG. 13) fastened to the mounting face 60 of the riserutilizing bolts and dowel pins passing through bolt holes 52 h and dowelholes 52 i and through aligned bolt holes and dowel holes in the blade.

If a breakaway provision is desired, a breakaway bolt 72 is employed,the bolt is tightened utilizing head 72 a until the bolt head seatsagainst the bolt face 64, and further torque is applied to the bolt bythe head 72 a until the reduced diameter portion 72 b shears. It will beunderstood that reduced diameter portion 72 b is designed to shearbefore reduced diameter portion 72 d and that the tightening of the boltstructure until the reduced diameter portion 72 b shears has the effectof pretorquing the bolt to the torque level required to shear thereduced diameter portion 72 b. In use at the framing station, each openframe gate structure 30 is positioned by a robot which is secured torobot mounting plate 40 and programmed is known manner. Ideally, therobot moves the gate into position at the framing station withoutencountering any obstacles and therefore without damaging the toolingmembers or, more importantly, the delicate frame structure. However, ifan obstacle is encountered, the obstacle will typically exert a force Fagainst the vertical portion of a riser which in turn will cause theriser to tilt which in turn will result in shearing or rupture of thereduced diameter bolt portion 72 d which in turn will allow the riserand associated tooling member to breakaway from the base 50 and precludetwisting or other damage to the delicate frame structure 30 and/ordislocation of the tooling member carried by the riser with consequentmis-assembly of the respective automotive body components. The definedinter-engaging ring surfaces on the riser and the base have the effectof defining a locus of points equal distant from the center line of thebreakaway bolt 72 so that no matter in which direction the impact F isexerted on the riser vertical portion the same moment will be applied tothe riser and to the bolt structure and the same force F will result inan identical rupture pattern with respect to the reduced diameter boltstructure portion 72 d.

The single central mounting bolt in combination with the dowel pins 80provides a firm, positive locating of the riser on the base and thedefined ring surface interface between the lower face of the riser andthe upper face of the base insures a firm positive triangulated mountingof the riser on the base. As compared to a prior art riser mountingarrangement employing four quadranted bolt holes with dowel holespositioned between the bolt holes, the invention riser mounting systememploys a single central bolt hole, a single central bolt and a pair offlanking dowel pins providing considerable savings in both materials andlabor. The invention riser, by virtue of its extruded construction, alsoprovides significant material savings as compared to prior art risersand the invention riser, by virtue of its aluminum extrusion formation,provides considerable weight savings as compared to prior art risers.

The illustrated and described base and riser structure also allows readyprovision to accommodate production variances or tolerances.Specifically, as best seen in a comparison of FIGS. 14 and 15 and FIGS.16 and 17, production variances or tolerances can readily beaccommodated by adjusting the position of bore 50 g within hub 50 f and,in this respect, base ring surface 50 j preferably has a greater widththan riser ring surface 52 g so that ring surface 52 g may adjust onsurface 50 j in response to movement of bore 52 g within hub 50 fwithout interfering with the firm positive triangulated inter-engagementof the ring surfaces.

Especially in installations employing a breakaway bolt structure, thebores 52 d in the lugs 50 c may be utilized to anchor cables to tetherthe riser to the base to limit the movement of the riser relative to thebase in the event of a breakaway.

The alternate mounting bracket construction seen in FIGS. 24-32 includesa riser 100, a base 102, and a fastener assembly 103.

Riser 100 includes a riser portion 100 a and a rectangular platformportion 100 b. Platform portion 100 b includes a central unthreadedaperture 100 c.

Base 102 includes a circular platform portion 102 a and a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced legs 102 b extending integrally from theplatform portion for straddling, welded mounting on a skeletal member ofthe frame structure as described with respect to the FIGS. 1-23 mountingbracket construction. Circular platform portion 102 a includes a centralthreaded aperture 102 c.

Riser 100 is mounted and located on the base 102 utilizing fastenerassembly 103 and a plurality of spherical members positioned at theinterface between the riser and the base in concentric surroundingrelation to the central axis of apertures 100 c and 102 c. Specifically,riser 100 is mounted on the base 102 utilizing three balls or spheres104, provided on the upper face 102 d of the base platform portion 102 ain concentric relation to aperture 102 c and at equal 120° spacing,seating in three V-shaped locating socket grooves 106 provided in thelower face 100 d of the riser platform portion in concentric relation toaperture 100 c, at equal 120° spacing, and in vertical alignment withrespective balls 104.

Each locating socket groove 106 is defined by a socket pin 108. Eachsocket pin 108 includes a circular locator portion 108 a and a main bodyor base portion 108 b. The socket groove 106 is defined in the lowerface of main body portion 108 b and, specifically, is defined by twooutwardly splayed flat surfaces 108 c opening in the lower annular face108 d of the main body portion 108 b with a notch 108 e defined at theupper converging edges of the flats 108 c.

Each socket pin 108 is fitted in a bore in the platform portion 100 b ofthe riser 100 and, specifically, the locator portion 108 a of the pin isfitted in a bore 100 e in the riser platform portion and the baseportion 108 b is fitted in a counter bore 100 f in the riser platformportion. Each pin may be press fit in the respective bore of the riserwith the lower face 108 d of the pin spaced or recessed upwardly withrespect to the lower face 100 d of the riser platform portion and theupper face 108 f of the pin recessed or spaced downwardly from the upperface 100 g of the riser platform portion. Each groove 106 defines acentral axis 109 and the pins 108 are positioned in the bores 100 f suchthat all of the axes 109 pass through the center of central aperture 100c.

Each ball or sphere 104 is positioned in a spherical socket 102 e in thebase platform portion with the center 104 a of the sphere positionedbelow the upper face 102 d of the base to preclude displacement of theball from the base. The ball may be swively mounted in the base or maybe fixedly secured in the base and may be mounted in the base by anyknown procedure including depositing the ball in a frozen condition intothe socket 102 e and then allowing the ball to expand to fixedly fillthe socket. Each ball 104 and respective socket pin 108 are configuredand dimensioned such that the ball 104 and socket groove 106 contacteach other only at two points 110.

Fastener assembly 103 includes a fastener bolt stud 114, a nut 116, aplurality of stacked Belleville washers 118, and a retainer cup 120. Inthe assembled relation of the riser and base, the bolt stud 114 passesthrough the central unthreaded bore 100 c in the riser platform portionfor threaded engagement with the threaded central bore 102 c in the baseplatform portion with the nut 114 pressing downwardly against thestacked Belleville washers 118 retained within cup 120 to press theriser against the base. The various parameters are chosen such that withthe riser engaging the balls 104 at the total of six points 110, aclearance is defined between lower riser platform portion face 100 d andupper base platform portion face 102 d of, for example, 10 mm.

Bolt stud 114 includes a O-Ring groove 114 a and a reduced diameterbreakaway groove 114 b.

It will be understood that, in use, a tooling member such as a clamp 78will be attached to the upper end of the riser portion 100 a of theriser in the manner previously described with respect to the FIGS. 1-23embodiment.

Whereas the embodiment of FIGS. 24-32 has been described as includingballs mounted in the base seating in V-shaped grooves provided in theriser, this arrangement can be reversed with the balls being provided inthe lower face of the riser and the V-shaped grooves being provided inthe upper face of the base with the specific arrangement determined bythe requirements of any particular application.

Rather than Belleville washers shown as part of the bolt assembly,springs or a urethane block may also be employed for the same purpose.The Belleville washer/spring/urethane block provision allows theassembly to maintain rigidity even when the fastener is being stretchedas well as providing a “shock absorbing” aspect in case of collision.

The arrangement of FIGS. 24-32 enables breaking of the bolt stud 114 atthe shear point 1 14 b when the riser is subjected either to bending,tortional loading or shear loading. The three locator configurations,with the ball/groove arrangement provided 120° apart, creates threedistinct axes of pivoting defined by the centers of two spheres/ballsproviding a consistent lever from the center of the fastener, and aconsistent shear behavior, irrespective of the location or direction ofthe impact against the riser. The arrangement of FIGS. 24-32 provides afirm triangulated interface between the base and riser and providesexcellent repeatability for mounting the riser to the base since thethree spheres may be seated in the grooves in only one preciseconfiguration.

The alternate mounting bracket construction seen in FIGS. 33-40 includesa riser 200, a base 202 and a fastener assembly 203.

Base 202 corresponds generally to the base 102 of the FIGS. 24-32embodiment and includes a circular platform portion 202 a and aplurality of circumferentially spaced legs 202 b extending integrallyfrom the platform portion for straddling welded mounting on a skeletalmember 34 of the frame structure as described with respect to the FIGS.1-23 mounting bracket construction.

Circular platform portion 202 a includes a central threaded aperture 202c and three balls or spheres 204 are provided on the upper face 202 d ofthe platform portion in concentric relation to central aperture 202 cand at equal 120° spacing. Each ball 204 is positioned in a sphericalsocket 202 e in the platform portion with the center 204 a of the spherepositioned below the upper face 202 d to preclude displacement of theball from the base. The ball may be swively mounted in the base or maybe fixedly secured in the base and may be mounted in the base by anyknown procedure including depositing the ball in a frozen condition intothe socket 202 e and then allowing the ball to expand to fixedly fillthe socket.

Riser 200 includes a tubular member 206, a plurality of socket pins 208and an annular plate 210.

Tubular member 206 may be formed as an extrusion and may include a mainbody tubular portion 206 a defining a central axial bore 206 b and aplurality of circumferentially spaced external rib portions 206 c eachdefining an axial bore 206 d.

A bore 206 e is provided at the lower end 206 f of the riser in coaxialcounter-bore relation to each axial bore 206 d. External rib portions206 c will be seen to define flat faces 206 g to facilitate theattachment of a suitable tooling member 78.

Each socket pin 208 includes a pilot portion 208 a for press fit in arespective bore 206 e and a main body portion 208 b defining a groove208 c for seating a respective ball 204.

Each groove 208 c has a bowl shaped configuration and defines twooutwardly splayed flat surfaces 208 d with a notch 208 e defined at theupper converging edges of the flats 208 d. Each groove 208 c defines acentral axis 211 and the pins 208 are positioned in the bores 206 c suchthat all of the axes 211 pass through the central axis of threadedaperture 202 c.

Each ball 204 and respective socket pin 208 are configured anddimensioned such that the ball 204 and the socket groove 208 c contacteach other only at two points 212.

Annular plate 210 is positioned in bore 206 b proximate the lower riserend 206 f on a sill or shoulder 206 h and defines a central unthreadedaperture 210 a.

Fastener assembly 203 includes a breakaway fastener bolt 214 and a stackof Belleville washers 216.

Belleville washers 216 are positioned on plate 210 in concentricrelation to aperture 210 a and the shank 214 a of breakaway bolt 214passes downwardly through the Belleville washers and through aperture210 a with the head 214 b of the bolt pressing downwardly on the stackof Belleville washers and the threaded lower end 214 c of the boltthreadably engaging the threaded central aperture 202 c in base platformportion 202 a.

In use, the riser is positioned on the base with the grooves 208 cseating on the balls 204 at a total of six defined points 212, wherebyto positively locate and position the riser on the base, whereafter bolt214 is tightened to threadably advance the threaded lower end 214 c intobase central aperture 202 c whereby to compress the Belleville washersand place the bolt in pretension so that any significant impact againstthe riser will have the effect of shearing the breakaway bolt at thereduced diameter portion 214 d.

FIGS. 41-45 illustrate a breakaway bolt assembly replacement kit 300which may be used with any of the previously described mounting bracketstructures to facilitate the replacement of a broken breakaway bolt. Kit300 is hereafter described with reference to the mounting bracketstructure of FIGS. 24-32 but, as noted, may also be readily utilizedwith appropriate modification with the mounting bracket structures ofFIGS. 1-23 or FIGS. 33-40.

Kit 300 includes a fastener bolt 302 having a head 302 a, a shank 302 b,a reduced diameter portion 302 c and a threaded lower end 302 d; anupper annular plate 304 having a central aperture 304 a surrounding thehead 302 a of the fastener bolt; a lower annular plate 306 having acentral bore 306 a surrounding the shank 302 b of the fastener bolt; astack of Belleville washers 308 positioned in surrounding relation tothe bolt shank portion 302 b between the upper and the lower plates; aplurality of upper attachment bolts 310 passing downwardly throughunthreaded bores 304 b in the upper annular plate for threadedengagement with threaded bores 306 b in the lower annular plate; and aplurality of lower attachment bolts 312 sized to pass upwardly throughunthreaded apertures 100 h in the riser platform portion 100 b forthreaded engagement with further threaded bores 306 c in lower plate306.

In use of the kit with the bracket structure of FIGS. 24-32, andfollowing breakage of a fastener bolt at a reduced diameter portion inresponse to a predetermined impact against the riser, the brokenportions of the failed bolt may be removed from the riser and from thebase whereafter the kit 300, minus the lower attachment bolts 312, maybe positioned on the riser 100 b with the bolt shank passing downwardlythrough riser central aperture 100 c, whereafter the lower attachmentbolts 312 may be passed upwardly through riser apertures 100 h forthreaded engagement with threaded bores 306 c in the lower plate,whereafter the riser may be positioned on the base with the lowerthreaded portion 302 d of bolt 302 threadably engaging threaded baseaperture 102 c and grooves 106 seating on balls 104, whereafter the boltmay be tightened to compress the Belleville washers 308 to pretensionthe bolt (for example to 10 ft. lbs.) whereafter the upper attachmentbolts 310 and the upper plate 304 may be removed and discarded. Thesystem is now ready for production.

In the bracket structure of FIG. 46, the riser, rather than beingconstituted by a discreet member, is constituted by an integralextension blade or arm of the tooling member.

The mounting bracket of FIG. 46 includes a riser arm 78 a, a base 402,and a fastener assembly 404.

Riser arm 78 a is constituted as an integral extension arm of a toolingmember 78.

Base 402 corresponds generally to base 102 and base 202 and includes acircular platform portion 402 a and a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced legs 402 b extending integrally from the platform portion forstraddling welded mounting on a skeletal member of the frame structure.

Base platform portion 402 a includes a central threaded aperture (notshown) and three balls or spheres 406 are provided in the upper face 402d of the platform portion in concentric relation to the central apertureand at equal 120° spacing. Each ball is positioned in a sphere socket inthe platform portion with the center of the ball positioned below theupper face 402 d to preclude displacement of the ball.

Riser arm 78 a mounts a plurality of equally circumferentially spacedsocket pins 408 for coaction with balls 406 in the manner previouslydescribed with respect to the mounting brackets of FIGS. 24-32 and FIGS.33-40.

Fastener assembly 404 corresponds to the fastener assembly 203 of theFIG. 33-40 mounting bracket embodiment and includes a breakaway fastenerbolt 410, including a reduced diameter portion, and a stack ofBelleville washers 412.

In use, the riser arm is positioned on the base with the grooves definedby the socket pins seating on the balls at a total of six definedpoints, whereby to positively locate and position the riser on the base,whereafter bolt 410 is tightened to threadably advance the threadedlower end of the ball into the base central aperture whereby to compressthe Belleville washers 412 and place the bolt in pretension so that anysignificant impact against the riser arm will have the effect ofshearing the bolt at the reduced diameter portion.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures as is permitted under the law. For example, although severalembodiments of the mounting bracket have been described as including aspecific discreet riser member, it will be understood as shown forexample in the FIG. 46 embodiment, that the riser may instead beconstituted by an integral extension blade or arm of the associatedtooling member and the term riser or riser structure as used in theclaims will be understood to include not only a discreet riser member,but also a riser formed as an integral extension arm of an associatedtooling member.

1. A mounting bracket for use in a body framing apparatus located at awelding station, the framing apparatus including a plurality of toolingmembers for use in positioning components of the body at the weldingstation for welding, each tooling member mounted on the framingapparatus by a mounting bracket, characterized in that: each mountingbracket includes a base for mounting on the framing apparatus and ariser structure mounted on the base and mounting a respective toolingmember; the riser structure is mounted on the base by a single centralfastener bolt; and the interface between the riser structure and thebase comprises a plurality of spherical members arranged in concentricrelation with respect to the fastener bolt.
 2. A mounting bracketaccording to claim 1 wherein there are three equally angularly spacedspherical members.
 3. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 whereineach spherical member comprises a ball.
 4. A mounting bracket accordingto claim 1 wherein the fastener bolt includes a reduced diameter portionsized to break away in response to a predetermined impact against theriser structure.
 5. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein thespherical members are carried by the base.
 6. A mounting bracketaccording to claim 5 herein each spherical member is received in aspherical socket defined in the base.
 7. A mounting bracket according toclaim 6 wherein each spherical member is seated in a locating socket inthe riser structure.
 8. A mounting bracket according to claim 7 whereineach locating socket includes a groove contacting the respectivespherical member at only two points.
 9. A mounting bracket according toclaim 8 wherein: each groove defines a central axis; and the axes of thegrooves pass through the central axis of the fastener bolt.
 10. Amounting bracket according to claim 6 wherein each locating socket isdefined by a socket pin received in the riser structure.
 11. A mountingbracket according to claim 10 wherein the riser structure includes atubular member having a central bore to accommodate the fastener boltand a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores in an end rim of thetubular member for respective receipt of the socket pins.
 12. A mountingbracket according to claim 11 wherein: the riser structure furtherincludes an annular plate positioned in the central bore proximate theend rim; the fastener bolt passes through a central aperture of theannular plate for threaded engagement with a threaded bore in the base;and the riser structure further includes a stack of Belleville washerspositioned in the central bore of the tubular member in surroundingrelation to a shank of the fastener bolt between a head of the bolt andthe annular plate.
 13. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 whereineach base includes a planar platform portion mounting the respectiveriser structure and a plurality of legs extending from the platformportion and sized to straddle the framing apparatus.
 14. A body framingapparatus located at a welding station, the framing apparatus includinga plurality of tooling members for use in positioning components of thebody at the welding station for welding, the tooling members beingmounted by a plurality of mounting brackets, characterized in that: eachmounting bracket includes a base for mounting on the framing apparatusand a riser structure mounted on the base at an interface and mounting arespective tooling member; and the riser structure is fixedly mountedand located on the base by a single central fastener bolt and aplurality of spherical members positioned at the interface in concentricrelation with respect to the central axis of the bolt.
 15. A bodyframing apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each spherical membercomprises a ball and there are three balls positioned in equal angularlyspaced relation about the central axis.
 16. A body framing apparatusaccording to claim 14 wherein the fastener bolt includes a reduceddiameter portion sized to break away in response to a predeterminedimpact against the riser structure.
 17. A body framing apparatusaccording to claim 15 wherein the balls are fixedly mounted on the base.18. A body framing apparatus according to claim 17 wherein each ball isseated in a locating socket defined in the confronting face of the riserstructure.
 19. For use with a mounting bracket comprising a base and ariser structure mounted on the base utilizing a pre-tensioned breakawayfastener bolt, a replacement breakaway bolt assembly to facilitatereattachment of the riser structure to the base in the event of breakageof the breakaway bolt, the replacement assembly comprising: a breakawayfastener bolt; an upper annular plate surrounding a head of the fastenerbolt; a lower annular plate surrounding a shank of the fastener bolt; acompressible annular spring device positioned in surrounding relation tothe bolt shank between the upper and lower plates; a plurality of upperattachment bolts passing downwardly through bores in the upper annularplate for threaded engagement with threaded bores in the lower annularplate; and a plurality of lower attachment bolts for passage upwardlythrough bores in the riser structure for threaded engagement withfurther threaded bores in the lower annular plate, the head of thefastener bolt bearing against the compressible spring device so that,with the fastener bolt passing through a bore in the riser structure forthreaded engagement with a threaded bore in the base, tightening of thefastener bolt compresses the spring device to pre-tension the fastenerbolt.
 20. A body framing apparatus according to claim 19 wherein theannular spring device comprises a stack of Belleville washers.